The Assad regime continued a high-profile “anti-terrorism” PR campaign on Tuesday, with the Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Mohammad Jihad al-Laham (pictured), using the platform of an international conference in Pakistan.
Speaking at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Lahore, al-Laham called for “mobilizing efforts to fight terrorism according to a comprehensive strategy and with the participation of all countries”: “Any support to the armed terrorist organizations in Syria is a flagrant violation of the UN charter and Security Council’s resolutions.”
The regime has tried to isolate the insurgency — cutting off political, economic, and military support — as well as deflecting attention from the effect of sieges and bombing on civilians and limiting any news of insurgent advances. Earlier this week, Damascus hosted a two-day international conference, claiming the participation of 25 countries, on “combating terrorism”.
Syria Daily, Dec 1: Assad Regime Hosts “International Conference on Combating Terrorism”
Al-Laham’s address pointed to a new regime objective. Denouncing a “US-led coalition” for supposedly ignored UN Security Council resolutions, he warned against any creation of safe havens and no-fly zones in northern Syria.
Turkey has been in discussions with the Americans about the initiative. So far President Obama has held out against the creation of the havens.
See Syria Audio Analysis: Dissecting US-Turkey Negotiations Over “Safe Havens” and a No-Fly Zone
